Hopefully none of these are on your Christmas list.
Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
Only available from 1951-1952, this science kit for CHILDREN included 4 types of uranium ore, a Geiger counter, a comic called "Dagwood Spits The Atom" and a coupon for ordering MORE radioactive materials. One of the four uranium ores included was Po-210 (Polonium) which, by mass, is 250,000 times more toxic than hydrogen cyanide. "Merry Christmas Kevin, here's that giant box of poison you asked for."
Source: orau.org / via: orau.org
The Belt Buckle Derringer Toy Gun
Introduced by Mattel in 1959 this little cap gun looks like a regular belt buckle to the unsuspecting bad guy/victim. However when you "extend" your stomach, the gun flips out and allows you to fire off a round. Ignoring the fact that stomach extension is a strange way to trigger anything, the gun was banned because it could accidentally be ignited by friction, causing burns in the crotch area of many presumably traumatized children.
Source: burlingamepezmuseum.com
Steve The Tramp Action Figure
What's that? Steve the Tramp Action Figure sounds lamer than The Soprano's finale? Well you're right, but he wasn't banned for being a snooze fest. The action figure, released along with the 1990 Dick Tracy film, came in a box printed with the phrase "ignorant bum...you'll smell him before you see him." This offended a few people, causing Steve to be kicked to the curb (poor choice of words).
Source: i194.photobucket.com
Aqua Dots
Based on that "2007 Toy of the Year" award, it's apparent children love creating art out of beads that stick together when sprayed with water. The only issue is that if children swallowed the dots (which they of course did because, hello, look at the colors!) they would get sick and or potentially die. Once swallowed the coating on the dots could become gamma hydroxybutyrate, which can cause seizures, unconsciousness and drowsiness.
Source: blog.wexlerwallace.com / via: cpsc.gov
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